First of all, thanks for the numerous responses that I've received to this
inquiry off-list. I thought I'd respond to one of Dave's comments here. The
best software (of the ones I've tried) for running the bands is actually
"Rover Log". When I operated rover, I used it because it would interface
with my GPS receiver, and I didn't have to enter the grid square manually
for each contact. It is also set up to very quickly "run the bands", and I
used it all the way up to 10 GHz as fast as I could make the contacts
themselves.
Unfortunately, it terms of "ease of use", I'd have to give it poor marks.
I've owned computers since the early 1980's, and would consider myself a
"power user" thought not a programmer. I find the Rover Log software
difficult to use, and set up properly. It's so powerful that I think it's
also daunting, especially for fixed station use.
The N3FJP suite of software is elegant in it's simplicity, but Scott simply
doesn't have time to keep it updated. I've tried twisting his arm, in a
virtual sense to encourage attention to the VHF logs, but his bread and
butter is on the HF side.
As in so many areas, it seems that VHF Men either have to deal with being
"shoe-horned" into HF contesting solutions, or deal with inferior products
that are VHF specific.
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF
-----Original Message-----
From: David All
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 9:59 AM
To: Les Rayburn
Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] Advice for new VHF Logging Software
Les,
In your contest software what makes it easy to run the bands? I work with
N3IQ/R and we run 10 bands so we paper log and would love to find a program
that allows for computer integrate with out slowing our rate of all 10 bands
in 3 min.
Thanks
Dave N3XUD
On Wed, Jul 20, 2011 at 10:10 PM, Les Rayburn <les@highnoonfilm.com> wrote:
I'm both a casual VHF contester, and an avid DX'er. My primary pursuit is to
achieve VUCC on as many bands as possible, but I enjoy a good showing in the
contests too. I have nearly ZERO interest in HF contesting, and do very
little HF operating since discovering the "World Above 50 MHz" four years
ago. (To think I wasted nearly four decades on HF)
To date, I've been using the N3FJP's Amateur Contact Log 3.0 has my main VHF
logging software, and his "VHF Log 2.8" for VHF Contests. While the AC 3.0
logs remains a great log for general DXing, and keeping track of grids
worked/confirmed, the VHF Log 2.8 is in serious need of an update. I've
contacted Scott and unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be enough interest
in the product for him to justify an update.
That means I'm in the market for a new VHF Logging software program,
especially for contests. Here are my primary requirements:
1.) Ease of use. I don't want to have to spend hours learning new software.
2.) Must be able to accurately track the major VHF contests, and provide
real-time feedback on scoring, grids worked, help to eliminate dupes, etc.
"Running the bands" in the log has got to be fast and easy.
3.) Easy updating of Logbook of the World (LOTW) within the log software.
4.) Tracking progress towards VUCC awards would be a huge plus.
5.) Database of active stations and a callsign lookup feature of active VHF
stations would be another huge plus.
I'm open to recommendations from the group. Your advice has always been
great and most welcome in the past. Thanks in advance.
Les Rayburn, N1LF
EM63nf
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114
6M VUCC #1712
Grid Bandit #222
Life Member Central States VHF Society
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